With Tet, the Lunar New Year, approaching, most major streets leading to railway and bus stations in Ho Chi Minh City have become more crowded as hundreds of thousands of people leave for home. At the Nguyen Thai Son intersection in Go Vap District, for instance, vehicles have to move inch by inch because of the congestion. Photos credit: VnExpress

Similar congestion can also be seen on other arterials like Cach Mang Thang Tam Street that runs through Districts 3 and 10, Cong Hoa Street in Tan Binh District, and Hong Bang Street in District 6.

Lines of motorbikes and cars crawl along Tran Van Dang Street leading to Saigon Railway Station in District 3.

Motorbikes move slowly on Cong Hoa Street Thursday, the 26th of the final lunar month. The street, which leads to Tan Son Nhat International Airport and the city's northwestern gateway, has been hit by horrific congestion. The airport now sees 720 flights with 100,000 passengers daily, according to official estimates.

Crowded Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Street in Binh Thanh District. Those who do not leave the city for Tet are out shopping, worsening traffic.

A man transporting Tet gifts who was stuck in congestion on Ba Thang Hai Street in District 10, said, "It's hot and dusty. The worst misery ever!"